Kathmandu, March 11
Despite being screened at international film festivals, Nepali film Rajagunj has been denied screening permission in Nepal by the Central Film Censorship Board. The board objected to the inclusion of a public speech by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in which he had compared parties leaving the Constituent Assembly to “mangoes falling from a tree” back in 2015.
The film, directed by Deepak Rauniyar, incorporates a video clip of Oli’s remarks, originally published by Onlinekhabar in both video and text formats. The censorship board has demanded proof of permission from the prime minister to use the footage. However, Rauniyar argues that the clip is public domain content and that they have already obtained rights from Onlinekhabar, the legal copyright holder.
“We are not required to seek a letter of permission from the prime minister. This was a public statement. Onlinekhabar, which owns the footage, has granted us permission, and they have no objections. Why should we remove it?” said Rauniyar.
He further stated that removing the scene would compromise the artistic integrity of the film. “If we cut that part, the film loses its essence. This is a film that has been showcased worldwide, featured in major festivals, and written about by the media. Now that we are back home, we want our own audience to see it.”
The Rajagunj team is now in talks with the censorship board to find a resolution. Board member Rishiraj Acharya emphasised that the film must comply with its directives.
Rajagunj premiered at this year’s Venice Film Festival, receiving a ten-minute standing ovation. It has been widely praised by international critics and media.
Set in the Madhes region, the film revolves around a police operation to rescue two kidnapped children, including the son of a Constituent Assembly member. The cast includes Asha Magrati in the lead role, along with Dayahang Rai, Bijay Baral, and Nikita Chandak. The film is scheduled for release in Nepal on March 15.
